THE BOOK OF THE PEONY 



2. Its worth for both landscape and cutting 



Both in mass and in detail, it answers many re- 

 quireniients. The substantial size of the plant 

 and of the individual flowers makes it a useful and 

 striking subject for the garden architect. The 

 brightness, sweetness and lasting qualities of the 

 blooms make it an ideal cut flower. 



2. The freshness of its foliage throughout the summer 



A number of perennials lose the freshness of their 

 foliage after blooming and have to be cut back or 

 hidden by other plants. Except in one or two in- 

 stances, the shining foliage of the peony attracts 

 attention from the time of its appearance above 

 ground until it succumbs to the late frosts. 



4. The ease of its culture 



Any one can raise peonies successfully with far 

 less trouble than it takes to grow roses. 



5. Its practical freedom from insects and disease 



While a number of diseases of the peony have been 

 classified and described, the grower who reads and 

 heeds directions is not likely to be troubled with 

 diseased plants. 



6. Its extreme hardiness 



It thrives in very severe climates, and endures a 

 degree of cold that is fatal to many other per- 

 ennials. 



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